POLICE OFFICER

Certified Police Officer

West Point Police Department, an Accredited Agency located within the Town of West Point, Virginia, population 3300+ is seeking applicants for the position of Certified Police Officer. Applicants must be certified by Virginia DCJS.

Applicants must be 21 years of age. Virginia DCJS Law Enforcement Certification required; criminal background and DMV history required. Physical examination to include a drug screen, polygraph examination, and a psychological evaluation will also be required. Position is permanent and full-time while working during a probationary period. Position may be a night shift position.

Full benefits package to also include the VRS Hazardous Duty Supplement.

Hiring Range: $54859.89 - $60345.89 DOQ/DOE

Job Summary

Police Officer enforces local, state and federal laws. Protects lives and property through reactive and proactive activities, thereby protecting and improving the quality of life within the community.

Essential Functions

• Patrols assigned area looking for suspicious activity, crimes and emergencies
• Assesses the situation and takes appropriate action as necessary
• Talks with community groups, residential and business organizations, and members of the public to develop relationships and to provide visible security to deter crime
• Conducts property, business and welfare checks
• Enforces state and local traffic laws and regulations
• Responds to traffic accidents and writes reports as necessary in accordance with state and local laws
• Cooperates with other law enforcement agencies to establish mutual assistance
• Responds to domestic and non-domestic incidents
• Responsible for making arrests, fingerprints and transfer of subject to multiple locations
• Collects and stores evidence in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Assists in various phases of criminal investigations including interviewing witnesses, pursuing leads, apprehending and questioning suspects
• Works with Commonwealth Attorney to review facts and evidence; testifies in court
• Responsible for complete case files sent to the Commonwealth Attorney
• Patrols school functions and provides security at community events
• Reports hazards that endanger public safety to supervisor and appropriate departments
• Responds to a variety of complaints and requests for assistance from the public and provides advice and assistance
• Maintains police duty gear, weapons, vehicles and equipment to ensure proper working condition and cleanliness
• Prepares and files written reports and associated paperwork as required in conjunction with these tasks

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required. Prior police or military experience preferred. Compliance with requirements of Code of Virginia Section 15.2 – 1705 as amended is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic police equipment including qualification with lethal and non-lethal weapons
• Knowledge of Virginia Criminal Code, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Criminal Procedures Law, Alcohol Beverage Control Law, and local regulations and ordinances
• Knowledge of policy and procedures as approved by the Chief of Police
• Knowledge of local resources to assist the public
• Knowledge of the geography, buildings and facilities in the community
• Skill in the application of self-defense techniques
• Ability to interrogate and interview
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public
• Ability to remain calm, analyze and react swiftly in situations involving high stress and danger
• Ability to follow orders, standard operating procedures, and established protocols

Licenses or Certifications

Valid operator's license; upon appointment and thereafter, a valid Virginia Operators license. Law Enforcement Officer Certification from Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services with recertification as required by DCJS. Qualified with firearms. Completion of additional training as needed to maintain current certifications, understand changes in laws and regulations, and learn specialized services (for example, radar certification, first aid training).